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BLUE MAFIA HANGING TREE Pinecastle Records PRC1202 After the dark comes the light. Blue Mafia has been self-described as “dark” and “bloody” and “dirty” and, in reviews, as “edgy.” Listening to their first two recordings confirms such. Now comes their third and, while much of that dark and edgy quality is still front and center,…

THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS LAWS OF GRAVITY Compass Records 746782 Combining an infusion of superb musicianship, clever songwriting, and intricate arrangements, The Stringdusters have once again produced another project of their approach to modern bluegrass. This seventh release features the band’s current lineup: Andy Hall on resonator guitar, Andy Falco on guitar, Chris Pandolfi on banjo,…

THE SAVAGE HEARTS PLAYING IT FORWARD No Label AS001 This is an interesting program of tunes and songs drawing from wide-ranging sources including Jim Croce, Bob Wills, and Tim O’Brien with a nod to Latin music with “Compadres In The Old Sierra Madres” and a Puerto Rican melody, “El Combanchero.” On their website, they call…

HEIDI AND RYAN Mountain Fever MFR161202 Where a standard secular bluegrass recording often includes a gospel tune, the Mountain Fever debut from Heidi and Ryan sort of reverses that pattern. This is a gospel recording, but among the eleven tracks are four secular songs. The album opens with “Grandma’s Knee,” a tune that alternates short,…

JOIN THE JAM! A METHOD FOR JAMMING OF TRADITIONAL STRING PLAYERS BY ANNIE SAVAGE. (www.savagefiddler.com) This new book by Savage dissects what part the fiddle plays in bluegrass. It breaks down songs and tunes, using licks and passing tones to dress up simple melodies. She uses the term “Tech Check” for each lesson presented. There…

THE LONESOME ACE STRINGBAND GONE FOR EVERMORE No Label No Number The second outing for this Toronto old-time trio—Chris Coole on clawhammer banjo, Max Heineman on bass, and John Showman on fiddle (all three sing)—opens with an original tune by Showman, “The Hucklebuck,” a wild romp fueled by their energy and musicianship. Aside from “Mad…